Author: Chukwu Godlove
In many parts of Africa, the ocean is more than just a horizon — it’s a pantry, a pharmacy, and a cultural heartbeat. For centuries, coastal communities have lived in rhythm with the tides, relying on fishing, seaweed harvesting, and mangrove gathering to survive. But climate change, overfishing, and plastic pollution have pushed these fragile ecosystems to the brink. Instead of watching their coastlines fade, communities in Madagascar and Kenya are rewriting the story — leading bold conservation efforts that restore marine life while keeping traditions alive. And the best part? They welcome travellers to experience it first-hand. Madagascar’s locally…
When it comes to hiking in Southeast Asia, one country walks away with most of the glory: Malaysia. A recent study by travel specialists Exoticca.com analysed data from the popular hiking platform AllTrails and found that nine out of the region’s top 10 hiking trails are in Malaysia. Image used for illustrative purposes/Ling Tang/Unsplash Topping the list is Bukit Gasing Circular, a short but much-loved loop on the edge of Kuala Lumpur. How the trails were ranked Exoticca.com’s researchers compared trails across 11 Southeast Asian countries, scoring each one out of 100 based on three factors: hiker ratings, number of…
South Africa’s wine country is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, award-winning vintages, and vibrant culture. But beyond the corks and clinking glasses, a quieter transformation is unfolding. More and more wine estates are embracing sustainability, blending organic farming, renewable energy, and water-wise practices into their winemaking DNA. For travellers craving a taste of nature-friendly indulgence, these green wine routes offer the perfect blend of eco-consciousness and exceptional wine. South Africa’s leading eco-friendly wine estates Several South African wine estates stand out for their unwavering commitment to sustainability, combining traditional winemaking with innovative environmental stewardship. Here’s a closer look at some…
Migrants attempting to reach the shore in southern Spain were intercepted by locals and tourists before police took them into custody. Image of screenshot from South Asia Digest Instagram video The dramatic scene unfolded on Sunday afternoon at Sotillo Beach in Castell de Ferro, Andalusia, when a small motorboat sped toward the crowded coastline. Witness footage showed 13 men diving into the sea and swimming toward land. Several beachgoers stepped in, physically restraining some of the arrivals until police arrived. One video showed a bare-chested man in orange trunks pinning a migrant to the ground, while another captured a beachgoer…
Colonial towns in South Africa were shaped by Dutch, British, and French settlers — with architecture influenced by European styles, adapted to local materials and climates. What survives today are some of the most photogenic and historically significant towns in the country, often with intact Cape Dutch buildings, Georgian townhouses, mission stations, and creaking Victorian-era shopfronts. But their value goes beyond aesthetics. These towns are living museums — layered with indigenous histories, mission legacies, frontier tales, and ongoing cultural life. Graaff-Reinet: The Karoo’s crown jewel Dutch Reformed Church, Graaff Reinet/Leo za1/Wikimedia Commons Often called the “Gem of the Karoo,” Graaff-Reinet…
Oliver Keohane shares a story of appreciation after a weekend in the vast wonder of the Koue Bokkeveld. Images: Oliver Keohane The night after we returned from the Cederberg, my friend James sent me a screenshot of a quote attributed to the late chef and author Anthony Bourdain. “To sit alone or with a few friends, half-drunk under a full moon, you just understand how lucky you are; it’s a story you can’t tell. It’s a story you almost by definition, can’t share. I’ve learned in real time to look at those things and realise: I just had a…
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities has embarked on free skills training for the youth to improve their employability. Under its apprenticeship programme, the ministry hopes to offer free training to at least 150 young men and women each year, a total of 750 in a period of five years, according to Doreen Katusiime, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary. She said it is part of a bigger strategy by the government to cause transformation through skills training, starting with the tourism and hospitality industry, one of the key sectors and major contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “We…
Cape Town’s global appeal just went viral—again. The Mother City has been ranked among the Top 10 Most TikTok-Famous Travel Destinations in the world, landing 10th place with more than 2.3 million TikTok videos tagged #CapeTown and a staggering 15 million Instagram hashtags to match. Sunset on Clifton 4th Beach/Finding Dan | Dan Grinwis/Unsplash The accolade confirms what locals and savvy travellers have known for years: Cape Town was made for the spotlight. From colourful neighbourhoods and dreamy rooftops to world-renowned landscapes and stylish stays, the city offers endless visual moments perfect for travel vlogs, OOTDs, and cinematic storytelling. Here…
– Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced a significant expansion of its domestic network and tourism-focused projects. According to CEO Mesfin Tasew, the airline will add five new domestic destinations within the next six months, with airports currently under construction in Yabelo, Gore Metu, Mizan Aman, Debre Markos, and Negele Borena. This expansion will increase the airline’s domestic reach from 21 to 26 locations. In the recent press conference, Mesfin detailed the group’s investment in tourism-supporting infrastructure, which includes new airport developments, hospitality services, and aircraft acquisitions. A key part of this strategy is the acquisition of two specialized aircraft designed…
Winter in South Africa isn’t just about layering up and staying indoors — it’s an invitation to slow down, explore differently, and warm up in unexpected places. While our winters are relatively mild compared to the Northern Hemisphere, there’s a special magic in the way South Africans do winter. From starlit deserts to steaming springs and fireside feasts, here are nine things every South African should experience at least once when the temperatures drop. 1. Sip Rooibos tea in the Cederberg Mountains Cederberg/dconvertini/Wikimedia Commons Something is grounding about wrapping your hands around a steaming mug of rooibos tea — especially…